On May 20–21, 2025, the AIUB Drama Club, under the guidance of the Office of Student Affairs, organized a dynamic and engaging two-day theater festival titled “Curtains Rise 2025.” The celebration began with a captivating dramatic flashmob on May 20 at 11:00 AM in front of C Building, drawing the attention of students and faculty alike and setting an exciting tone for the festival’s theatrical showcase.

The main events took place at the AIUB Auditorium. The festival opened with enthusiastic performances and was graced by the presence of Dr. Mohammad Zahidul Islam, Registrar of AIUB and Dr. Ziarat Hossain Khan, Associate Professor and Deputy Director of Student Service and Welfare (SSW). Alongside other faculty members, their attendance underscored strong institutional support for student-led cultural initiatives.

As part of its mission to foster creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration, the festival featured four diverse theatrical productions. The first day’s lineup included “Election Caricature,” a compelling political satire by acclaimed playwright S. M. Solaiman, which cleverly exposed electoral absurdities through humor and performance. This was followed by an original mime-based murder mystery, conceptualized and performed by AIUB Drama Club members. This unique, wordless piece utilized expressive physicality and music to deliver an emotionally charged narrative.

On the second day, the audience enjoyed two more contrasting yet equally engaging plays. The first was a gothic adaptation of “Dracula,” filled with suspense, horror, and dramatic tension. The second performance, “Ek Credit-er Prem,” was a light-hearted original comedy exploring the chaos of campus group projects and student life, written and directed by Dipty Rahman, mentor of the club. The play resonated with viewers through its humor and relatability.

Notable attendees on the second day included Dr. Manzur H. Khan, Proctor of AIUB, and Mr. Hamidul Haque, Head of the Department of English, alongside faculty members, alumni, and a packed student audience. Their presence highlighted the administration’s encouragement of cross-disciplinary artistic expression and student empowerment.

The event was supported by over 80 ADC members, including performers, writers, and crew from various faculties, demonstrating the collaborative spirit of the university’s cultural community.

“Curtains Rise 2025” successfully underscored the importance of incorporating performing arts into academic life. By combining satire, horror, suspense, and comedy, the festival encouraged students to engage with contemporary issues through storytelling and theatrical expression. It reaffirmed the AIUB Drama Club’s ongoing commitment to cultivating cultural engagement, artistic innovation, and youth empowerment.